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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize a more immersive music listening experience, the Grado GT220 could be the better choice due to their slightly higher overall sound quality. That said, the Audio Technica ATH M20X, being less expensive, offers better value and performs admirably with a good soundstage for music and TV. The ATH M20X are traditional wired over-ear headphones and may be more comfortable during long sessions at home, but they lack the convenience of wireless connectivity and portability that the Grado GT220's compact, wireless earbuds offer. The GT220 also comes with a microphone, making them suitable for calls. However, if you plan to use them for gaming or watching TV, you might experience audio delay due to wireless latency, something not an issue with the wired ATH M20X. Also, the GT220 includes features like sweatproof certification and a wireless charging case, making them versatile for use during exercise and on the go. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M20X
- Good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Grado GT220
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
6.3
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for music, while the Grado GT220 is only fair.
Gaming
6.2
5.1
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for gaming, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
6.9
The Grado GT220 is only fair for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
8.8
The Grado GT220 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
5.5
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for TV and video, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
5.3
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.5 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M20X does not have a battery. The Grado GT220 has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$49
$259
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Grado GT220 costs $259.
Build Quality
6.9
8.8
The Grado GT220 has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Grado GT220 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Grado GT220 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $259 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Grado | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | September 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 6.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 36 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M20X
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Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"Audio-Technica positively defies what you can expect for around $50. Ultimately, Audio-Technica did not design the ATH-M20x to go on the subway with you. It’s for the budget-conscious, do-it-yourself producer, podcaster, or studio that needs to buy tracking cans in bulk. If you don’t need the most deluxe, comfortable headphones, maybe you’ll like the ATH-M20x for its spartan functionality. The headphones are aimed at giving you the minimum requirements without it feeling like a sacrifice."
Grado GT220
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Dig into reviews and images
Major HiFi
Alex Schiffer | October 2020
"With its superb and functional interface and its highly satisfying imaging, Grado has shown a new talent for delivering a solid true wireless system, and with future improvements, has the potential to really be one of the best."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Grado GT220
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
About Grado
Grado Labs is a small, family-owned, business based in Brooklyn New York that specializes in high-end, boutique, dynamic headphones and turntable cartridges. They boast a particular house sound, that is to say their products have a particular sound signature unique to Grado, that some audiophiles seem to really like and are unable to find anywhere else. Their high-end headphones are all hand made, completely in house, from a variety of exotic woods and materials going so far as to making one of their most popular products out of hemp.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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